Learn more about Karla Madrigal, the new graduate recruitment coordinate in the College of Education. Learn what she most enjoys about working in the College of Education in this brand new position. The Staff Spotlight Series celebrates and elevates all the people who make the college such a special place to work.

After missing School of the Wild as sixth graders because of COVID-19, City High School Seniors Alma Bhandary-Narayanan and Tobiah Collins helped lead an effort to bring the experience back for the ICCSD’s Class of 2026. The special senior program gave students a chance to reconnect with outdoor learning, build community, and reclaim a meaningful experience through student advocacy and partnership.

College of Education alumnus Seth McGrane, a graduate of the college’s Elementary Education program, has found a home and a career teaching 4th grade at Shell Rock Elementary.

Carolyn Colvin retires after a University of Iowa career dedicated to literacy, public education, and community-engaged scholarship. Her work with students, immigrant and refugee adult learners, and the West Liberty community reflects her belief that education is strongest when it is rooted in partnership, access, and civic participation.

The impact of special education professor emeritus Paul Michael Retish, who passed away June 10, continues to resonate through generations of educators, colleagues, and students.

Laura Gallo retires from the University of Iowa College of Education after a meaningful career preparing future school counselors, advocating for youth mental health, and emphasizing the life-changing power of supportive relationships.

Learn more about Paige Carlson, administrative services coordinator at the Belin-Blank Center, and what she most enjoys about working in the College of Education in this Staff Spotlight series. The series celebrates and elevates all the people who make the college such a special place to work.

With nearly 40,000 job openings expected over the next decade, the need for more special education teachers is clear. UI’s College of Education hopes to help fill some of those vacant positions by adding a new pathway—a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education—to its undergraduate program offerings.

Recent UI College of Education graduates Olga Colmenero Carrillo, Josie Mbaye, Gianna Rocca, have been selected to receive Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards for the 2026–27 academic year.

After more than 25 years with the College of Education, Kathy Schuh, a professor of Learning Sciences and Educational Psychology and director of the Education Studies and Human Relations major, is retiring.